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Tiny horse brings huge smiles to Memorial patients big and small

Patient Randi Dugan reaches out to touch Sprout , a 13-year-old miniature horse at Memorial Hospital. Sprout and owner Gretchen Long visit patients and staff to help brighten the stay at the hospital, Wed., June 29, 2011 Photo by STUART WONG, The Gazette

Sprout, a miniature therapy horse, and owner Gretchen Long wear matching footwear. The horse's shoes are not just a novelty; they keep him from slipping on slick hospital floors. Photo by STUART WONG, The Gazette

Gretchen Long gets ready to lead her miniature horse Sprout out of an elevator at Memorial Hospital Central and into the adult rehab center. Sprout is part of Memorial's animal therapy program to comfort and cheer up patients. Photo by STUART WONG, The Gazette